The Benefits of a “Boring” Day

Paul Walton, MD; Blake Williamson, MD, MPH; and Gary Wörtz, MD

Eyetube

Paul Walton, MD, joins Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, and Gary Wörtz, MD, to share concepts to help cataract and refractive surgeons avoid horror stories in the OR. He says the goal should always be to have a “boring” day, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding with patients. The surgeons also detail their approaches to anesthesia and how to best comfort patients before, during, or after surgery.

The Consumer Journey in Vision Correction

Insights from the Refractive Surgery Council.

Liana Miller and Lisa Spicer

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today

What initiates the journey of a prospective refractive patient toward considering procedures such as LASIK, SMILE, PRK, or a phakic IOL? Often, their interest is sparked by personal connections such as friends or family or by something encountered online. In some cases, frustration with glasses or contact lenses may be the tipping point. Whatever the initial motivator, the information they encounter at this critical juncture—the top of the funnel (see Critical Engagement at the Top of the Funnel)—can either propel them toward a decision or deter their pursuit of a procedure. ENGAGING THE PROSPECTIVE VISION CORRECTION PATIENT AT THE TOP OF THE FUNNEL A 2023 Refractive Surgery Council survey revealed that the journey to vision correction can span more than 2 years, which emphasizes the need for early and effective engagement. The initial consideration phase marks prospective patients’ entrance into the very top of the funnel: Prospective patients begin their exploration here; and The information encountered during this phase can either propel them down the funnel or end their current journey. KEY INFLUENCES SHAPING INTEREST AT THE TOP OF THE FUNNEL Personal experiences. Friends and family are the strongest influencers, motivating people into the funnel and shortcutting independent exploration. Online discoveries. Personal research often exposes prospective patients to a diverse range of information, including positive patient testimonials, clinical research, and practice marketing.

New Retina Radio Journal Club with VBS: Comparison of Antiseptics Use for IVT

Sruthi Arepalli, MD, Vaidehi Dedania, MD, and Rebecca Soares, MD, MPH

Eyetube

How do endophthalmitis rates after intravitreal injection differ after using povidone-iodine compared with chlorhexidine? Moderator Sruthi Arepalli, MD, hears from panelists Vaidehi Dedania, MD, and Rebecca Soares, MD, MPH, about a recent peer-reviewed retrospective cohort study on this topic. After the break, the trio discuss how to manage patients who do not tolerate antiseptics, the benefits of visualizing antiseptics on the conjunctiva, and the specific practice patterns that work best in their clinics.